These seemingly innocuous files, identifiable by their small arrow icon overlay, are increasingly being weaponized by threat actors to execute malicious payloads while maintaining a facade of legitimacy. Their research revealed that threat actors have systematically organized their approaches into LNK exploits, malicious file execution, in-argument script execution, and overlay content execution techniques. The attack methodology often involves disguising malicious LNK files as legitimate documents by manipulating their icons and filenames to appear trustworthy to potential victims. Windows Shortcut (LNK) files, traditionally used for creating quick access links to applications and files, have emerged as a prominent attack vector in the cybersecurity landscape. This method involves embedding malicious scripts directly within the COMMAND_LINE_ARGUMENTS field of the LNK file, effectively transforming the shortcut into a delivery mechanism for malicious payloads. These files leverage Windows’ built-in functionality to execute commands, download payloads, and establish persistence on compromised systems. When decoded, these commands frequently contain instructions to download malicious DLLs from remote servers and execute secondary payloads. The malicious exploitation of LNK files has reached concerning levels, with cybersecurity researchers observing a dramatic increase in their weaponization. The flexibility and ubiquity of LNK files across Windows environments make them attractive for cybercriminals seeking to bypass traditional security measures. Cyber Security News is a Dedicated News Platform For Cyber News, Cyber Attack News, Hacking News & Vulnerability Analysis. Palo Alto Networks analysts identified four distinct categories of LNK malware through comprehensive analysis of 30,000 malicious samples. The research findings indicate that PowerShell and Command Prompt serve as the primary execution vehicles for LNK malware, accounting for over 80% of all system target utilization. With years of experience under his belt in Cyber Security, he is covering Cyber Security News, technology and other news. The technique exploits the inherent trust users place in shortcut files while leveraging Windows’ command-line interpreters. This heavy reliance on native Windows utilities enables attackers to execute payloads without requiring additional tools. Tushar is a Cyber security content editor with a passion for creating captivating and informative content.
This Cyber News was published on cybersecuritynews.com. Publication date: Thu, 03 Jul 2025 09:05:17 +0000